Night after night, you and Zoe sat by the upstairs window, practicing spells under the soft glow of candlelight. It had become a quiet ritual, a space where the rest of the world, your responsibilities, the weight of magic made public, even the ghosts of the past, faded into the background.

There was something unspoken between you, woven into the stolen glances, the lingering touches, the way her praise made your heart race. Zoe would smile when you succeeded, her eyes lighting up with something almost tender. You’d catch yourself staring too long, drawn to her in a way you couldn’t quite explain. Everyone else in the coven saw it, the blushing, the giggles, the way Zoe looked happier since you joined the coven. Everyone except you two.

Zoe sat by the window, the dim candlelight casting soft shadows on her face. You focused intently, channeling your energy as the candle flame slowly flickered higher. Zoe watched closely, a proud smile tugging at her lips as she gave a small, approving nod.

"That’s really good," she murmured, eyes flicking to yours. "You’re getting better at controlling it."

Her praise filled you with confidence, your gaze locking onto hers as something unfamiliar stirred inside you. That feeling, warm and intense, caused the candle flame to rise even higher. You flinched, cursing, and Zoe immediately reached out, catching your wrist. Her touch was cool against your heated skin as she whispered a quick incantation, snuffing the fire out in an instant.

"Careful," she said, her thumb brushing lightly over your hand before she let go.

For a second, Zoe just looked at you. Her expression shifted, like there was something unspoken hanging in the air between you, something she hadn’t quite figured out yet. Then, as if snapping out of it, she cleared her throat, looking down at the spellbook.

"Alright," she said, flipping the page. "Let’s try the next one."